10 things blogging has taught me

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Starting a blog nearly eight years ago now was the best decision I ever made and I'm very grateful to my sixteen-year-old self for pressing live on my first ever blog post in 2013.

The blogging world has completely changed since 2013 and isn't as simple and innocent as it used to be with a whole evolution of creators on all different platforms, including blogs. Blogging used to be the most popular platform back in the day and I used to spend hours reading blogs (well, I still do) and talking to other bloggers online. Being within the community was a lot easier as the blogging pool was so much smaller and simpler to navigate - and everything looked a lot more rustic than it does now.

10 things blogging has taught me


Although things have evolved and blogging is a lot more technical today and the competition is very high, I still love it as much as I did eight years ago when I had no idea what my blog can turn out to be. My blog has given me the opportunity to pursue one of my favourite things: to write and been a place to document my life, and how I've grown from the age of sixteen.

Whether you're new to blogging or have been doing it for a long time like me, here are 10 things I've learnt from blogging.

To pursue my passions

I'm one of those people who always likes to be doing something and has a lot of passions. Writing and travelling are my two biggest passions but I also have so many more including reading and baking. I've always been a big dreamer and wanted to achieve my goals (and still do); I'm very ambitious. Having this blog has given me the motivation and drive to pursue my passions, and always wanting more from them. Blogging is my favourite thing to do and has given me the opportunity to write but also document my travels, my growth with confidence and my anxiety journey. It's helped me learn that I can do anything I put my mind to and pursue anything my heart desires.

Consistency and determination

Having a blog is no easy task which I'm sure many of my fellow bloggers will agree with. When I first started blogging, I thought I simply had to write a post, add a photo and publish it, do a little promotion on Twitter and the rest will come. Oh, how I was wrong. Granted, it was a lot easier to rank on Google and get people to read your blog eight years ago as there was less competition but it still required hard work.

Over the years, I've learnt how much determination and consistency it takes to run a blog but also used this and applied it to my day to day life. Having a hobby that required a lot of work in terms of writing, promotion, SEO etc, then gave me the incentive and determination in all areas of my life, to push myself harder. It makes me so proud knowing I've managed to keep this up for eight years nearly.

The online world can be a friendly place

I'm fully aware that the online world isn't all fairies and rainbows sometimes, however, blogging has taught me it can be a really friendly and supportive place. Over the years, I've had so many conversations with other bloggers, formed online friendships and gained mutual respect with a lot of other creators, who will spread positivity and love. The blogging community is one of my favourite parts of blogging as everyone is so friendly and helpful, and gives me hope for the negative side of social media.

There's always something new to learn

I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to learning; I love to learn new things and pick up new skills - and one amazing thing blogging has taught me is learning never stops. Blogging and the world of content creation changes often, with new updates on social media, Google ranking and much more, and that just means, more opportunity for learning and gaining new skills.

To write what's right for me

I've been in the blogging game long enough to know that when I'm reading a post, I know if the author is truly passionate about the topic or not, or if they're writing it for non-authentic purposes. With blogging, it's so important to write and share your passions as you'll find an audience who enjoy the same niche and follow you for that. There's no point not being authentic online as you're not being your true self - and the same principle applies to life really. Do what's authentically you and you'll gravitate towards the right people, energy and feel happy in what you're doing. I've always written topics on this blog that mean a lot to me and I enjoy it as I want that passion to come across to my audience, and for me to enjoy the writing process too.

The number game isn't the be-all or end-all

The numbers game is a tricky one. When I first began blogging, it wasn't really a big issue but as the years went on and blogging became more popular, competition grew for views but also to work with brands. Although it is important to have a good amount of views and followers for brand collaborations, if you're not hitting massive numbers, it doesn't mean your work isn't any good - and you shouldn't be disheartened by it. I've learnt to enjoy the blogging process and even the mundane elements of it and not focus too much on the numbers game - and if I wanted to more, know there are resources out there to teach you how to grow views/followers etc.

Growth in every way is the most important thing

Having a blog over the course of eight years means I've changed a lot. I'm no longer an insecure sixteen year old, I'm a grown woman with a wealth of knowledge, memories, travel stories under my belt and also, a huge love and appreciation for who I am. I always like to say this blog has grown with me and it really is true. As I've evolved, my blog has in terms of what I talk about, my writing ability, my passions and how this information comes across. It has made me realise how important growth is in every way of life, how change is inevitable and that we can always improve ourselves. Every day is a learning curve.

To not give up

I don't actually think there has been a day in the eight years of having the blog that I wanted to give up writing on it. There have, however, been days where I've had no inspiration on what to write or was disheartened when I compared myself to other bloggers. But despite all of that, I've not given up and I think the crux of knowing how much I loved blogging, gave me the motivation to keep going. Never give up on your true passions.

The right people will always support you

This is more of a life lesson as a whole, however, it does apply to my blog. I'm always incredibly grateful for my friendship group, I'm surrounded by the most positive and supportive girls and I love them dearly, and the same goes with my family. They've always supported every endeavour I've tried and that includes this blog. And those who didn't make me realise, they weren't the right people for me.

To open up about my insecurities 

It's not a secret that we all live with insecurities and I am one of those. Over the course of running this blog, they have changed and I no longer feel insecure about what I used to. But, in a way, I have this blog to thank, as it gave me an opportunity and platform to talk about my anxiety, struggle with confidence and learning to love myself. Being open about it has made me realise I am not alone and most people go through feeling insecure about something in one way or another in their lifetime. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you run a blog, what has blogging taught you?

Thank you for reading <3

68 comments

  1. This is such a great post! Blogging has definitely taught me so much. One of them is to never quit/ give up. I've had several moments where I feel like quit blogging but then again I will remember all my little hard work in order to create content that people will enjoy and sometimes they find it helpful. Aahh, I can't leave this drama-free place. It's a part of me xx

    lenne | lennezulkiflly.com

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  2. this is so relatable! The community can be so friendly but it is absolute nightmare to rank isn't it? I am pretty sure my DA was better when I started than now!

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    1. Thank you! Such a nightmare, oh same - my DA used to be so much higher x

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  3. Blogging has taught me many things as well, the blogging community is really friendly and welcoming. I also learnt to write what's right for me, surprisingly, doing that helped my blog grow. One thing I really love about blogging is that there is always something new to learn. Great post!

    TheQuietGirl
    www.quietgirlblog.com

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    1. Thank you so much, it's lovely to hear that xx

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  4. Your experiences have been really relatable, especially in terms of growing into your blogging voice. It can be a struggle at times (which I've learnt quickly, not having been invested longer than six months), but as long as you enjoy the work itself and not the reward, it's incredibly fulfilling. Good luck in the future!

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  5. This was such a great read! All you said is so relatable! I was so surprised by the love and the community there is around blogging, when i first started my first blog at fourteen it was more of a diary and hoped people would stumble and read on it lol
    I completely agree that there is always something new to learn and it's such a great experience as well as determination and consistency! Thank you for sharing x

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    1. Thank you so much lovely, I'm glad you found it relatable xx

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  6. I loved reading this! It's a strange thing, we all start out with a thing for ourselves, writing, but then we learn how to connect with others and how to open up and how sweet people can be, even on the internet! It's super relatable and it's good to know others experiences these things as well. Thank you for sharing!

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  7. I can relate to this so much. I think I have learned so much about the world, myself and creating content in the last 3 years.

    It is hard work and it can be hard not to feel like an imposter or compare myself to others and of course number watch but I love the blogger life so much.

    Great post x x

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    1. Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoy blogging xx

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  8. I can 1000% relate to soo many of these points. Not giving up is a big one. When I started my blog, loads of people told me not to bother, I wouldn't be able to keep up with it but I'm really proud to say that I did! It's a labour of love, that's for sure. But, honestly, I don't know who I would be without my blog!

    Rosie

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  9. I love this post! Blogging has taught me how to take better photos, get creative with my writing again and to not give up :) xx

    Holly | www.gollymissholly.uk

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  10. This is great! The blogging community is so supportive, and I love that you feel you have opened up more since you started blogging x

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  11. I have been blogging for almost 4 months and I have learnt a whole lot of things from blogging. One of the most important being the fact that blogging is therapeutic. Even in my darkest times, writing about how I am feeling and seeing people relate to whatever I am going through makes me feel so much better and it makes me know that I am not alone in my fight. Blogging for almost 4 months has changed my life and I couldn't be more happy. It has also given me a place to share my experience and grow! Lovely post x

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear it's a therapeutic outlet for you x

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  12. Such a fab post, Della! I loved that last point "the right people will always support you"! Sooo true! I'm so glad to read that you still love blogging as you did when you started. Thanks for sharing xx

    Lynn | www.lynnmumbingmejia.com

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  13. What a lovely post, it's so nice to read, especially as a fellow blogger. I always find that reflecting gives you a huge boost too, there's so much to be proud of! Well done :)

    Anika | chaptersofmay.com

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    1. Thank you so much lovely!! Reflecting is so important x

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  14. Writing has shaped my life incredibly too, so I loved seeing the ways blogging and sharing has helped you open up and grow. I especially love your thoughts on 'the right people will support you'. I have never seen it expressed quite so perfectly as here before so I am loving connecting with the truth in your statement! Thanks so much for sharing. xoxo

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    1. Aww thank you so much, your comment has made my day!! xx

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  15. I crossed my 5 year mark a couple years back and did a post similar to this actually! I agree that blogging has changed a lot in the past decade and there is much more competition now. Another thing is that blogs have sort-of taken a back seat for most content consumers with the introduction of social media apps. There is always something new to learn and I feel like consistency is an ongoing battle that you can never win against and be done with.

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  16. This is such a great post! I've honestly learned so much through blogging and from other bloggers too! Consistency and determination is so key but it's also important to just enjoy the journey! Thanks for sharing! X

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  17. Love this! Feels like, alongside a having a hobby, blogging has been so productive for you!

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

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  18. Being consistent is so difficult. I really feel amazed and feel so inspired by every blogger i come across as how come they have come this far. I have been into blogging since 2013, yet everytime i go back to blogging (because I am not consistent) i feel i am still a beginner. I really wish to be a good blogger and now working towards being consistent.

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  19. I love how you said about the number game is not the be all and end all, that is so true! I prefer to post content I love to post rather than focus too much on numbers! A great post Della! x

    Lucy | www.lucymary.co.uk

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  20. Finally a blogger account, makes it easier for me to comment phew. I enjoyed reading you write a lot of your blogging journey and how u felt about it. You are spot on there about almost no competition years ago. If we check some of the famous international bloggers they started their journey at that time. Now it's very very competitive that one could give up. I started last year and im finding it very competitive when it comes to numbers game and earlier bloggers could think twice about giving up. Oh well, let's see how the journey goes. <3
    Isa A. Blogger
    http://bit.ly/39f9FN0 

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  21. I am loving these reflections. The blogging world has changed so much over time, and like you said it's definitely a lot slimmer. Feels as though many use Instagram as their primary platform now. Writing whats right for me like you mentioned is a big one for me

    http://skylish.co.uk

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  22. Ah great thoughts here and indeed blogging is sooooo different now, thanks for review!

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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  23. This is a great post, Della - I definitely agree with your points. Blogging has taught me so many skills that have helped in my career, especially with analysing stats and staying consistent with projects xx

    mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/

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  24. I have to agree with you on every point you made in this post. Blogging just opens up a whole new world, doesn't it? I love that you are always learning when it comes to blogging, and some skills translate into other parts of your life as well. I hope I am still blogging 8 years into it...I started in mid 2017 on /off so a few more years to go haha!

    Aimsy xoxo
    Aimsy’s Antics

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  25. I always like to read posts about blogging and opinion others bloggers about this topis. You have so many years experience and I start 3 years ago but I can relate with every thing which you wrote. Blogging platform is change so much, and many famous bloggers which I follow I stop because they went in one direction in which I'm not interested. Also it is necessary to be determinant and continue event those days when you don't have inspiration because one day when you look back it is amazing feeling.

    New Post - https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2021/03/face-cleansers-exfoliators.html

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  26. Bloggings changed so much since i first started with a good old piczo site!
    I love the community and engagement side

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  27. Congratulations on 8 years! I've been blogging for about 5 years and I'm also so grateful to my younger self for taking the leap. xx

    Violethollow.com

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  28. This is such a lovely post! I've blogged on and off for about 8 years too but when I came back to it last year I realised how little I'd known all the years previously about anything blogging-related! Agree how numbers aren't everything but it can be so easy to get caught up in them!

    Tash - A Girl with a View

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  29. This is such a great post of all things that blogging has taught you. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  30. This is a great post sharing what blogging has taught you. Blogging has taught me marketable skills.

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    1. Thank you so much! It has helped with my marketing skills too xx

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  31. I agree with a bunch of things on here! Especially the blogging community, before I started my blog I had no idea this wonderful community existed. And I love how you said it motivated you to succeed in other aspects of your life, which is so true. Every time I'm lagging behind on work I take a small break and focus on my blog, or I try to push myself. If I can push myself to the hardships of blogging, I can push myself through this. 8 years is such a long time, so congrats on being consistent. Thanks for sharing Della!

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    1. Thank you so much for the lovey comment and I'm so glad yo agree with my points!

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  32. I absolutely loved reading this post! I relate to so much of what you said about blogging! I've learned so much about myself in the past four years I've been blogging too. Congratulations on eight years, that is such an exciting milestone!

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  33. What a lovely post, as a fellow blogger this was really nice to read and so relatable! In the years that I've been blogging, I've learnt so much about myself. Congratulations on the eight years of blogging though, that's an amazing achievement :D

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  34. Thanks for sharing, I have leanrnt a lot from blogging, there is always some areas that I find, that have not changed since I started blogging in the fact some areas and learning how to improve :)

    Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes

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  35. I love the positivity in this post! Blogging has taught us all so many amazing things!

    Katy | www.katystephenson.com | www.thegrownupsclub.com

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  36. I really like this post, it's so positive! Blogging has a lot of negatives, but it's important to focus on the benefits that is has. I have learnt so much about the topics I've written about and that people are really nice. I'm starting to not care about stats so much and It's made me feel a lot happier!

    Em x

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  37. Yes! There are so many things you can get out of blogging, it really is good to see how everyone grows in at least one life aspect.

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  38. This is so relatable. I really enjoyed reading this post. I completely agree that everything felt so much easier 8 years ago. I don't think we ever worried too much about SEO and DA numbers.

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  39. The blogosphere, comprised of innumerable online journals from everywhere the world, is quite possibly the most famous appearances of the Internet. It's difficult for young people any longer. Quite a long while back, most websites were controlled by kids who simply needed to stay in contact with their companions, or individuals who simply needed to discuss their day by day life.comfortskillz.com

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